Brazen attack on teen concerns police

File photo / NZ Herald

Police in the Northland town of Dargaville say a man who attacked a teenage girl while she walked her dog needs to be caught before he strikes again.

The 16-year-old victim was still upset although not physically hurt after the attack on Friday, said Detective Shawn House of Dargaville police.

He said it was a bold, daylight attack on a girl walking her dog in the town just before 7pm.

Police appealed to anyone who saw anything unusual to call them.

The girl fought the man off and he fled.

The man was about 30 years and would have scratches on his face and possibly one arm.

Mr House said police had a suspect but he had yet to be identified by the victim.

- NZPA